The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague has dismissed India’s objections and affirmed Pakistan’s jurisdiction in a dispute over the Kishanganga and Ratle Hydroelectric projects. The ruling marks a significant victory for Pakistan.
The dispute involves Pakistan’s concerns about India’s construction of the Kishanganga hydroelectric project on the River Jhelum. It plans for the Ratle hydroelectric project on the Chenab in Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir.
Pakistan launched legal proceedings in 2016, requesting to establish a Court of Arbitration in line with the Indus Waters Treaty. The World Bank initially suspended the processes to establish a court of arbitration or appoint a neutral expert due to the potential for conflicting results from the two separate mechanisms.
After a six-year suspension, during which India completed the Kishanganga project, the World Bank lifted the suspension and created a court of arbitration, appointing a neutral expert. Pakistan now participates in both forums, while India has boycotted the Court of Arbitration.
Following the PCA decision, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Indus Waters Treaty, including its dispute resolution mechanism. Pakistan hoped India would also adhere to the treaty in good faith.